Note from Dr. Ed Stetzer: I’m here in Korea at the Lausanne Global Congress. During and after the congress, I am hosting delegates on ChurchLeaders. Today, we have Phillip Miller, pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago.
Tonight was moving. As the third day of Lausanne 4 drew to a close (you can read my reflections on the first two days here and here), we gathered as a global church from 200+ countries to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters. As representatives from each of the 50 countries where persecution is the greatest came to the platform, the words “Christ have mercy” rang out in the tongues of the persecuted church. It was a sobering and gripping testimony to the Courageous Faith of God’s people as they endure suffering for the sake of Christ.
Jesus never said following him would be easy. In fact, he prepared us for the opposite, “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Following Jesus means taking up our cross daily, and following him no matter the cost (Luke 9:23). Peter writes to the first century persecuted church, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
In groups, we were asked to share about our experience with suffering and persecution for the sake of Christ. Our discussion circle began as a sister from Madagascar shared of her co-workers who have been kidnapped and haven’t been heard from in months. A brother from India shared about the impact of the recently passed anti-conversion laws that have led to the arrest of pastors he knows. A brother from Nepal shared of the rise of militant groups that have burned the homes of followers of Jesus. A sister from the Philippines shared about several regions where Christians are forced underground for fear of being driven from their homes.
Then it was my turn. I explained the marginalization that Christians are increasingly experiencing in America, and the social disadvantages that come with embracing a Christianity that is often mocked in the public square. I must admit, I felt a bit foolish mentioning those things in the same group with people who had paid so much greater a price to be faithful to the way of Jesus.
We prayed for each other after sharing, and I was struck by their prayers. They prayed for God’s protection and deliverance. They prayed for the gospel to go forth. They prayed that God would give them the strength to endure with faithfulness. They prayed that God would meet them in their suffering. But none of them prayed for the persecution to end.
To a person, they spoke of the good things God is doing in the midst of all their suffering. Churches are uniting. Prayers are fervent. Courage is rising. Hearts are changing. The gospel is going forth. God is on the move. And the gates of Hell are not prevailing.
We have much to learn from the global church when it comes to suffering for the name of Jesus. Their suffering must not be sentimentalized. It is horrendous and evil. Yet they testify that God is their great Redeemer. What is meant for evil, God is redeeming for good. Like the Apostles, our brothers and sisters rejoice in being “counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” of Jesus (Acts 5:41).
The global church is helping me to see the abundant resources Christ provides his people in the midst of profound suffering. God is enough, come what may. The courageous faith of the global church inspires me. It makes me hungry for more: a deeper faith, a greater resilience, and a stronger walk with Christ. I suppose that kind of courageous faith can only be forged in the fire. For it is in the fire that we realize we are never alone and discover that God is more than enough.
